Almost 12 months on from the night of one of Kerry’s lowest moments in the Munster MFC, the Kingdom survived a late onslaught from Clare at Cusack Park, Ennis last evening to book their place in this year’s final. Last year Kerry surrendered an 11-point lead in the provincial semi-final against Tipperary before losing out but Mickey Ned O’Sullivan’s current young guns were full value for this win that has set-up a Munster decider against the Premier — a team that already beat the Kingdom this season.

But O’Sullivan is more bullish ahead of the rematch: “We know that Tipp were probably 10 points the better team when we met them last but we are looking forward to another crack. We are a better team now, we are playing a better brand of football and the lads are getting more confident. “There is more to come from this team. They play a beautiful brand of football. We just decided to stand back and let them play instead of telling them how to play. We were holding them back I felt.”

Leading 0-10 to 2-3 at half time, Kerry bossed the second period as Clare struggled, notching just 1-1. But Conor Cleary’s second goal — rifling home a 59th minute free — set-up a cracking finale, dragging them to within a point, 0-14 to 3-4. Kerry didn’t panic though, instead they used the ball intelligently and worked scores from the excellent centre-back Ronan Murphy, and subs Sean Moloney and Niall Sheehy to guarantee a victory they deserved. Trailing 0-2 to 0-1 after the early exchanges, it was Clare that made the first serious move of the game just five minutes in when full-forward Eoin Cleary was dragged down in the square after a surging run. His twin brother Conor was clinical with his penalty, passing the ball into the top right corner to send Clare 1-1 to 0-2 ahead.

And by the time their second goal arrived midway through the half, Kerry had outscored the home side 0-4 to 0-1 — to move 0-6 to 1-2 ahead. With the Kerry full-back line looking very fragile early on, the excellent Clare skipper Jamie Malone took full advantage, driving past three Kerry backs before slipping home an excellent solo goal, as Clare hit the front again (2-2 to 0-6). But as the half wore on Kerry settled with Cillian Fitzgerald (2), Gavin O’Shea and Conor Keane giving them a 0-10 to 2-3 ahead at the break. A Darragh Carmody brace for Kerry was sandwiched by a Brian Crowley point and the visitors led 0-13 to 2-4, with 10 minutes left. In a thrilling finale, Kerry held their nerve to book their final spot against a county that has held the upper-hand over them as this level in recent years.

Clare’s victory against Waterford in the first round ensured a semi-final place in May. Clare have qualified for the Munster Minor Football Semi-Final in just 2 of the previous 6 seasons dating back to 2006, losing the semi-finals of 2009 (to Kerry) and 2011 (to Cork).

Kerry’s defeat to Tipperary in the 2012 first round match broke a 12 match unbeaten run at Austin Stack Park Tralee in this competition dating back to 1993. On that occasion, Cork defeated Kerry by 2-7 to 1-9 in the Munster Minor Football Championship Semi-Final on July 9th 1993.

Prior to 2012, Kerry’s last defeat in a first round Munster Minor Football Championship game was in March 2002 when they lost to Tipperary by 2-11 to 2-9 at Kilmallock. Kerry avenged that defeat with a 3-16 to 2-6 win over Tipperary in the 2002 Munster Final played at Semple Stadium Thurles.

Kerry have never lost 2 Munster Minor Football Championship matches in the one year.

Limerick have lost 7 of their last 8 matches in the Munster Minor Football Championship dating back to 2008. Their only success in that time was a 3-10 to 2-4 victory over Waterford at Kilmallock in the first round in 2010.

Dating back to 2005, Waterford have won 1 of their last 17 games in the Munster Minor Football Championship.

Since 1956, Cork and Kerry have won every Munster Minor Football title with the exception of 1984, 1995 and 2011 when Tipperary were successful.

Tipperary have played 48 matches in the Munster Minor Football Championship since 2000, more than any other Munster county.

Cork, Kerry and Tipperary have won at least 1 match in the Munster Minor Football Championship every year since 2001.

The Tadhg Crowley Cup was presented by Munster Council in 1990 to commemorate late Munster Council Treasurer. Tadhg was elected as Munster Council Treasurer in 1968 and served until his death in December 1989. A teacher by profession, he also served as Kerry County Board Secretary from 1955 until 1970. Tadhg was recognized as a specialist in organizing and handling styles and gates at big Munster Championship games.

All Ireland Minor Football Championship

In the Minor Football All Ireland Roll of Honour, Kerry top the charts with 11 titles while Cork are tied for second with Dublin with 10 titles. Clare won the first All-Ireland Minor Football title in 1929 while Tipperary’s two All-Ireland successes at this grade came in 1934 and 2011. Between them Munster counties have accounted for 24 All-Ireland Minor Football titles, ahead of Leinster and Ulster (20 titles each) and Connacht (17 titles).